Thurlow Switzer: Charismatic Christians

Recently, some matters came to a head in my personal experience about how to evaluate matters of the last 25 years. The immediate impetus was the announcement that Todd Bentley was disqualified from leading the so-called Lakeland Revival for personal choices and actions, but the larger impetus was a several year observation about matters in the so-called Charismatic Movement. I came into some aspects of participation in the charismatic realm through a personal and liberating encounter with the Spirit of God in February, 1979. In many ways I was naive about a lot of things, but in the course of time, that naivety has been replaced by considerable experience and considered perspective. Frankly, although I appreciate many aspects of the charismatic lifestyle and worship, the Charismatic Movement has sold me short, not once, but over and over again.

Recently, I was with some relatives in another state and about 7 or 8 of my cousins, all anti-charismatic, got up the nerve for the first time in 25 years to confront me; all at once. They had their arguments in order (anti-charismatic arguments; one’s I long ago rejected), but one of the most difficult to field was about immorality and the lack of integrity in the charismatic movement. Personally, I am sick of charismatic foolishness and want to spew it out of my mouth. God calls us to embrace the “power that is according to godliness,” not power for the sake of emotional power or personal enjoyment.

I am not a little upset about those who give a carte blanche approval and free slate of approval toward anything that seems to be declared revival or manifest power. The Todd Bentley pattern congealed my thoughts. When I was situated in the fundamental and evangelical church world (my first 14 years of pastoring) I was ashamed and stirred in my spirit when immorality and sin would be covered up or excused. Still retaining good foundational truth held by fundamentalist brethren and by evangelicals, now that I have been participating in the charismatic and pentecostal world, I am ashamed and stirred in my spirit when immorality, unfaithfulness and sin is covered up, explained away or incidences of wrong justified, or treated lightly with leaders given a short time off from ministry, often two or three week, usually no longer then nine months, at which time, they are restored to ministerial privilege. There is much more that could be said.

It is one thing to explain away indiscretions and sin, over and over again, but my heart is thankful when I am with brothers who see through shams and deeply embrace a better way, the New Testament way of the apostles, and biblical doctrine and order.

It bothers me that wolves like Todd Bentley can dangle the lure of “revival” in front of multitudes of people, many desperate for healing and freedom, only to hear that the very leader they trusted has fallen. But it bothers me more that leaders in the body of Christ are so “susceptible” and “enamored” with so-called “revivals” or “revivalists,” even if they operate in independency and without accountability (God-forbid, outside the “institutional church”). Often, such people diminish the idea of “church” in favor of a “kingdom” message, and speak derogatorily of those who question what is going on.

In direct response to the Todd Bentley situation, I agree with and suggest you peruse Dutch Sheets assessment of the matter. As for me, the whole situation has served as a catalyst for looking more broadly at things, and this is the first of my personal commitment to assess the truth about matters.

I am not interested in running here or there to find revival, and I don’t desire to strongly associate with persons who have that inclination.

Matt 24:23-26 – “23 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 "Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it.” NKJV
Luke 17:20-24 – “20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." 22 Then He said to the disciples, "The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, 'Look here!' or 'Look there!' Do not go after them or follow them.” NKJV
Across the board, people with a charismatic orientation tend to be afraid to question anything that has been given the label of “supernatural,” “revival,” or “miraculous. ” Far too many seem to forget the very basics of our faith in favor of pursuing a highly intensified emotionally satisfying experience. It is my testimony, that the true presence of God is truly satisfying and providing uplifting edification.
John 4:1 clearly instructs us not to believe every spirit, but to discern and understand that there are “many false prophets” in this world and they are to be “tested.” That was first-generation apostolic orientation and nothing has changed. Some quote Proverbs 14:4 and to justify error and excess.
Proverbs 14:4 – “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.”
But I came from the farm. On the farm, we learned quickly how to deal with things. But, perhaps, we need to ask, what is an “oxen”? What is the true nature of godly ministry?
1 Tim 4:7-8 – “But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” NKJV
1 Tim 6:3 – “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness. NKJV
1 Tim 6:10-11 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” NKJV
2 Tim 3:4-5 – “Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” NKJV
Titus 1:2 – Paul speaks about “acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness.” NKJV
Why do we (the professing body of Christ) get caught up in hype, sham, and psychologically manipulated group euphoria, with repetitive music, pounding drums, with great outpouring of emotion, closing our spiritual eyes, abandoning true spiritual gifts, and yielding to soulish inducements, worldly attractions, often overlooking questionable things for the sake of not quenching the anointing?
Lev 19:26-28 – “You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying. You shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.” NKJV
2 Tim 2:16 – “But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.” NKJV  1 Tim 6:20-21 – “O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge — by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.” NKJV
2 Peter 2:10, 12-14 – “Especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed.... But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you, having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls.” NKJV
2 Peter 2:15-17 – “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.” NKJV
2 Peter 2:18-21 – “For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.” NKJV
There are many more passages to which we could refer. Leaders must exercise judgment. Rather than abandoning gifts such as discernment of spirits, wisdom and knowledge to run after mixture and soulishness by people who call themselves “end time prophets,” we ought to be more conscious of what God is doing in our own hearts, pursue biblical truth and understanding, and stand up with apostolic understanding and truth.

God blessed Moses as he struck the rock by faith in the first instance. But the second time, God was forced to discipline Moses as he struck the rock twice, instead of speaking to it as God instructed him to do (Num 20:7). The water gushed the second time (Num 20:11-12; Ps 78:20), even if it flowed out the first time (Ex 17:6; Ps 78:16). However, Moses struck the rock rather than speak to it. Power is not the issue, obedience is. It was not justifiable that the rock be struck just because the people were thirsty. There is a difference between results and success. Moses had results (water gushing forth), but he missed the promised land (success).

Real revival is where the Holy Spirit is allowed to draw people to Christ without the help of crowd manipulation and soulish tricks; where people experience change that leads them to Godly character, Christlike maturity and Spirit-led deportment of life; not where they only have a testimony of an emotional display or soulish energization.

How things are guided (soulish upfront leadership), testified to (public relations driven), and excesses (out-of-order things) are called into question is a huge matter. Why has God placed apostles and pastors in the Body? To pastor and steward.

One of the big issues for me is the matter of leadership and oversight in the Lakeland Revival or in any revival. Who was not asking the important questions about Bentley’s qualification on the character side to lead a revival?

Stephen Strader, pastor of Ignited Church, the original sponsoring church, apparently knew about some issues of indiscretion, but says, “I was assured by his people that there is no third party involved.” Strader said, Bentley “told me he kept me out of the loop for my protection.” Bill Johnson said, “I was involved in a restoration process to help Todd a couple years ago, in this very area.” If he knew there were problems, how could he have been so quick to lay hands on Todd Bentley, with other apostles, such as John Arnott, who knew about his situation?

Another example of what I am talking about, concerns the Toronto Refreshing. One thing, among others, was that certain things were tolerated, joked about, and approved, (i.e. the tolerance of people who “barked like dogs.”). When Lynda and I visited Toronto, about two years into the revival, we noticed, sure enough there was the lady, “barking” like a dog. Now, my question is, why did not someone in the leadership go to the individual and help them to see that that expression was not worthy of the name of Christ and “instruct” them more perfectly? Excesses may occur, but they must be dwelt with appropriately. This can be done without quenching the Spirit.
1 Cor 14:39-40 – “39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.” NKJV
1 Thess 5:19-24 – “19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” NKJV

Jesus’ way is quite different. It is the way of the crucified life, the result being the character of Christ’s indwelling presence; that alluded to in John 12:20-36.

“20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."

22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

27 "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name."
Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."

29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to Him." 30 Jesus answered and said, "This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

34 The people answered Him, "We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?" 35 Then Jesus said to them, "A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light." These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them.” NKJV

There is much more to be stated and this will await a future posting. But for now, purity must be embraced, mixture must be rejected (II Cor 6:14-21). Somewhere, the professing body of Christ seems to be getting off track.

Sincerely,


Thurlow Switzer
Living Grace Ministries

Alanna Jennings: Dying to Self

How dare I presume to write on such a topic when I do so many things, great and small, each day to preserve the “self-life”? I perceive that many of us find ourselves in the same place, and so, perhaps even a little light on the topic many be of some assistance in illuminating the pathway towards truth and life, which will surely lead to freedom from bondage to those things in us that are contrary to the will and purposes of God.

Perhaps this article might best be titled “Dying to Live”, for that is most assuredly the goal of learning to put the flesh under, that the indwelling presence of the living Messiah might have full sway in our lives and absolute control over our souls.

Many of us have spent a lifetime allowing (and still allow at times) our flesh, with its wants, wishes, desires and opinions to control our souls (our thoughts, will and emotions). If my hearts desire, like that of King David, is: “I will be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness”, Psalm 17:15, then I must be ruthless, with the aide of the Holy Spirit, with everything that would hinder that godly desire from being fulfilled.

In Mark 8:34-36, Jesus clearly tells us, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

How often we rise up in the morning with the best of intentions, and take up our cross and seek to follow Christ. Unfortunately, having skipped the invaluable and unavoidable first step of denying ourselves, we find ourselves powerless to carry the cross, as the self life requires a great deal of strength to carry and feed throughout the day, and I personally find that mine demands most of my attention if I haven’t dealt with it first. It is vain to ask God to set us free from ourselves if we retain one single thing that feeds that same self life!

If we fail to deny self, perhaps the strongest among us may conjure up enough strength to take up the cross, only to find that it is one of our own making, and not HIS cross. We then find ourselves trudging through the day under an unnatural weariness, a “woe-is-me” attitude, and a bit of a martyr complex, wondering how Jesus could have proclaimed “My yoke (read: cross) is easy and My burden is light”, Matt. 11:3. Here, yoke is zugos in the Geek – meaning, joined, coupled in servitude, the beam of the balance in a pair of scales. We will never experience the reality of Jesus’ proclamation unless we are in the cross of His making – the cross prepared expressly for us daily, meant to be shared in balanced coupling with Him. We will never know the “ease” of servitude until, like Paul; we learn to reckon ourselves dead.

The Apostle Paul was able to state, “I die daily”, I Cor. 15:31, making it clear that this process of dying to self is a daily occurrence. I personally find it to be and hour by hour, even moment by moment experience because my flesh seems to have an amazing power to raise itself from the dead. Or does it? Perhaps it is just that the enemy of my soul has me deceived into thinking that it does, so that I will behave as though it does.

Hence the need to understand Paul’s statement from Roman 6:11, “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reckon – logizomai – is a mathematical, accounting term, used only once it scripture. It means, to number, to conclude, to count, to reason, to think, to take inventory. The bottom line, literally, is that when you add it all up – our being dead to sin is a finished work. Our sarx, sinful nature, was crucified with Christ. Unfortunately, the children of God live so little in the reality of the overcoming life appropriated for us on the Cross of Christ.

And so, where do we begin to live this life of denying ourselves, or dying to self daily? We start where all things pertaining to the Word of God begin; with believing.

Jesus said, “"Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14

What an amazing promise we have, not only concerning the subject at hand, but concerning all of the promises of God – if we only believe. If I can believe what Galatians 2:20 tells me, that – “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me”; then I can continually reckon myself dead to sin.

By thanking my Beloved Savior for His finished work on the cross, I can joyfully proclaim with the Apostle Paul, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
I Cor. 15:57-58.

Renewing our minds by the continual washing of the words of life pertaining to the finished work of the cross will eventually enlighten the eyes of our understanding, that the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation might make this great truth life to our whole body, soul and spirit. If we meditate on the Way, it will eventually lead us to Truth. If we meditate on the Truth, it will eventually become transforming life in us.

And so, beloved brothers and sisters, let us do as Jesse Penn-Lewis suggests in her book, “Dying to Live”; “Let us choose this path of giving ourselves over to the hand of God, to be handed over to the fellowship of His Son, for the manifestation of His life, and the outflow of His life to others”.

If we fail to obey this great command to deny ourselves, our capacity to advance the Kingdom of God in any great measure will be substantially limited, our abilities hindered, and many of our efforts fruitless. Therefore, let us throw off every weight that so easily hinders; and let us take the Kingdom by force. With valiant and violent hearts, let us seize the days while we may, for time rarely favors the designs of conservative men.

And, while we’re at it, let us endeavor to die as gracefully as possible!



Dying Gracefully
Alanna Jennings


All around me Autumn leaves are falling,
I hear my Father’s voice so softly calling;
“Will you die as gracefully as these?”
“Would you joyfully shed your useless leaves?”

The trees show me there’s beauty in the dying,
And so I yield, on Christ alone relying.
Lord, strip my life of all that’s not of Thee,
This death will lead to life, thus I am free.

To be like Christ, to keep self from the throne,
Forsaking self, I’ll trust in you alone.
Amidst the storms, I’ll cling to God each hour,
And place my confidence in His great power.

I look to You for strength, and not in vain;
Lord give me grace to bear the cleansing flame.
The flesh must die, O God, spare not the pain,
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

John Schuch: Fellowship with the Holy Spirit

In Genesis 1:1 it says the Holy Spirit was hovering over the waters. Before God spoke the world into existence the Holy Spirit was active. This has always been God’s pattern the Holy Spirit and then the Word. This is confirmed in II Peter 1:21 “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” All that God would do on earth has always been by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has always been God’s breathe on and in His people. No breath no life -- No Holy Spirit no life from God.

Jesus life and ministry was by the power of the Holy Spirit. The prophecy that spoke of His coming was by the Holy Spirit. His birth was by the Holy Spirit. His public ministry began with the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus even testified, “if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.” Even his disciples spoke about the Holy Spirit being active in His life. Acts 10:38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” If the Holy Spirit was active in Jesus life then how can we live His life without the Holy Spirit?

No believer would ever deny the life and ministry of the Holy Spirit. Yet many believers never interact with the Holy Spirit. At times they may hear teaching on the Holy Spirit but in their daily lives the Holy Spirit is never acknowledged. Now the Holy Spirit is not an it but a person and if a person then we can commune with Him. Twice in scripture it mentions the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. II Cor. 13:14 & Phil. 2:1 This word fellowship is used in I John 1: speaking of fellowship with the Father, the Son and with other believers. The Word fellowship means to interact with another. We encourage believers to commune with the Father and the Son but when it comes to the Holy Spirit there is little experience of ones speaking and listening to the Holy Spirit.

The question may be asked is how does a believer interact or fellowship with the Holy Spirit. I would like to share with you two of the ways we can fellowship with the Holy Spirit. First is to acknowledge what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. I know I am to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit. So I then speak with Him, “Holy Spirit you are leading me today, I can trust you to guide me in all that I do. I have certain calls I want to make but you may shut some doors and open some that I do not envision.” Or “Holy Spirit I know you are leading me today and I want to be sensitive to what you have for me, thank you that I can trust you.” We know that the Holy Spirit is the only one who imparts God’s Revelation to us. Then acknowledge His ministry as you speak with Him. “Holy Spirit thank you that my mind is limited in receiving revelation but that you are imparting it to me and making it known to me.” Have you been in situations where you felt weak and inadequate? “Holy Spirit I didn’t seem to have the Words to say but it is not by my might or power but by your power. Praise you that you work even in my weakness.” We acknowledge Jesus being anointed by the Holy Spirit but what about your life. “Holy Spirit you anointed Jesus and thank you that you have anointed me. I will live and minister in your anointing today.”

Now in our communion with Him it is not just asking Him but acknowledging and giving Him praise and thanks. As we do this then it opens the door for us to fellowship with Him. Does it bring pleasure to our Father when we plead with Him hoping to receive or when we acknowledge and give Him thanks for what He has provided for us. It brings pleasure to our Father when we agree with His ministry in our lives. As you acknowledge the Holy Spirit’s work in your life so many areas of His ministry will become alive in you. It is then that fellowship with Him becomes a normal experience.

Another powerful way to commune with the Holy Spirit is by praying in tongues. I believe a key to praying in tongues is found in Romans 8:15-17, in v16 it says, “The Spirit Himself (Holy Spirit) testifies with our spirit (human spirit) that we are God’s children.” This passage speaks of the Holy Spirit interacting with our spirit or heart. It does not say the Holy Spirit is testifying to our mind but spirit. This is important for God works by His Holy Spirit through our spirit. In salvation our spirit is made alive to God. Eph.2:5 & Col 2:13 Our spirit is made alive or born of God 100%. Now our minds need to be renewed and our bodies brought under submission to the will of God but our spirit man is totally made alive to God.

This is why the Holy Spirit testifies to our spirit and not our minds that we are Sons of God. Now our minds will be renewed with the glorious truth that we are Sons of God; but God works in our spirit first. What a powerful force when God’s Holy Spirit is interacting with my spirit. Man’s spirit knows all about man and God’s Spirit knows all about God. Now bring them together and there is nothing that can be greater in our lives.

Now this will help to explain praying in tongues. I Cor. 14:14-15 “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.” When you pray in a tongue God’s Holy Spirit is praying with your spirit and not your mind. Paul then says, “What shall I do.” He then answers his question by saying, “I will pray with my spirit and I will pray with my mind. I will praise with my spirit and I will praise with my mind.” Now to pray or praise with your mind means to speak it in your known language. Your mind knows what is being said but when you pray in tongues your mind is not active but your spirit is very active with the Holy Spirit. This is why praying in tongues is so powerful because the Holy Spirit is praying directly with your spirit. Yes, we are to pray with our minds but Paul testifies to the fact he also prays and praises with his human spirit.

Paul knew the powerful force of the Holy Spirit interacting with his spirit. That is why in v18 “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you but in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others then ten thousand words in a tongue.” Now Paul makes a distinction between his personal life and his public life. He is saying in my personal life I pray in tongues more than all of you but not in public. Paul knew the value and power of his spirit being in communion with the Holy Spirit.

I believe God wants all of His people to pray this way. It is fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit. It is God’s Holy Spirit ministering to our spirits. People can have bible knowledge in their minds but it may not be the breath of God on their life. I encourage all believers to see the value of their spirit ministering with the Holy Spirit.
Scripture tells us the benefits of our spirit praying with the Holy Spirit.
I Cor. 14:2-5
1. “Anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.” Now don’t we encourage people to speak to God, to pray? When I pray in tongues I am speaking to God.
2. “No one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.” Now your spirit is speaking of mysteries and it is God’s mysteries. God’s mysteries are His revelation of His purposes and all that He desires to do in our lives. As I pray in tongues I often receive revelation that helps me in my life.
3. “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” This is God’s Word that your spirit praying with the Holy Spirit will build you up. That is why everyone ought to pray in tongues privately it will build them up.

I was taught against tongues so I have been on both sides of the fence. I know the glory and power in praying in tongues. I remember 3 years ago I was in a house group in Dundee, Scotland. The meeting had finished and we were having a cup of tea. A few of us were talking about praying in tongues and the Lord spoke clearly to my spirit and said, “Son I want you to spend quality time praying in tongues when you get up during the night.” I had been praying in tongues but not consistent and the Lord was telling me to do it consistently each night. I then came back home and I met with Brother Thurlow. He was telling me about the pastors & wives conference and that he spoke on why we should pray in tongues. That was a confirmation and encouragement of what God was saying to me.

Now our walk and fellowship with the Holy Spirit is not mechanical or just doing certain things. It is talking with Him, acknowledging His ministry and listening to Him. The glorious Holy Spirit is God’s breath of life upon our lives and this life is a living, talking, listening person. Holy Sprit teach me to commune with you.

Jonathan Switzer: The Fear of Man

Now we come to it. Surely, this is one of the great struggles of my life. It simply does not get any more personal than this.

As a young boy, I went to a small Christian school. My parents drove the forty miles to and from school each day. My father even taught at the school for a period of time. Prayer had been removed from the public schools and many Christians had immediately responded by removing their children as well.

However, that meant that many of these schools were just starting up from scratch. They were the pioneers of the modern Christian school movement. They wanted to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and as such they would do whatever it took. How would they pay for the teachers and school buildings? Well, they would just have to figure that out as they went along. After all, no one actually planned for prayer to be removed from schools.

Nevertheless, the public school in my neighborhood had decided to advocate “noveau” teaching styles. They were “experimenting” with “open classrooms” hoping to transcend the “hierarchialism” of the Dark Christian Ages of Europe, or some such nonsense. It was time for my parents to pull me out.

This meant that I was traveling to a school 40 minutes away with classmates who did not live nearby. I could not go home in the afternoon and run outside and play with my classmates.

For that reason and others, coupled with my own sinful pride and selfishness, I struggled to make friends in my early years. I wanted friends and felt that I had none. I began to believe the deception that I should live to try to please people. Any kid that came by was a good candidate for me to try to please; the kids at school, others in the neighborhood. I lost my sense of internal compass. Even with my own brothers, I just wanted to make them happy.

Also, I became a bed-wetter (til the third grade). I wanted attention and did not know how to get it. During this time, I had a teacher who made fun of me in front of the class for needing to go to the bathroom too often (in third grade students should be legitimately learning to go only at the breaks; later we realized I had a small bladder). My confidence was in the tank.

I became a full blooded man-pleaser.

This brings us back to Job. Job’s friends had very strong opinions. If Job were a lesser man, there is a strong possibility that he would not have been able to counter their arguments. If Job had been a man-pleaser, he would have been lost.

The intensity of Job’s friend’s accusations was Ivy-league debate level. It was… intense. Remember, Job is in pain, physically and emotionally. Yet, he refuses to be subservient to his friend’s peer pressure. Despite the pain, shame and embarrassment of his diseased, impoverished state, he keeps his internal compass on the Lord. He knows that something is wrong and he refuses to bow to his friends.

Job resisted the peer pressure. He wanted to deal with God. His friends could say what they wanted, Job was a God-pleaser.

A man pleaser does not base his sense of right and wrong on daily interaction with God and God’s laws. Rather, he bases his sense of right and wrong on what others will think. He is always running around trying to get people to like him. He does not tend to feel he is allowed to have a strong opinion of his own. Rather, he borrows other’s opinions in hopes it will promote his popularity. He fears being considered foolish, dumb or insignificant by others.

This happened to me.

Pleasing Man
It was a fluke afternoon. I must have been 7 or 8. We were playing together up in the woods behind the townhouses. Suddenly, my friends and I happened upon a box full of adult magazines.

Immediately, I knew there was something wrong with it. Sure, I was quite curious, to say the least. Nevertheless, my neighborhood guy friends were there and based on my read of them, I felt like I should act as though this was cool. As a result, my desire to please my friends sucked me right in. Satan’s trap was sprung.

“The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe (Prov. 29:25).”

Over the next couple of weeks, without our parents knowing anything, my friends and I would often go to our “stash”. An ugly vice was introduced into my heart. Though, our consciences finally led us to throw the stash away, we had been bit by an ugly spiritual disease.

Around the same time, another neighborhood playmate had pulled an “adult” magazine out from under his bed. “Don’t worry, my dad won’t mind, he has more in his bedroom,” he said. Again, my desire to please my friends, together with my own lust, trapped me into an ugly sinful snare. We drank in the pictures. It was the beginnings of a struggle that I would have for some time.

I was making moral decisions not based on my desire to please God, but rather a desire to please friends; and to please myself. I was afraid of people instead of God.

The Pressure for Job to Conform
Job, on the other hand, was a righteous man. He firmly looked to God and God alone for guidance. He desired only to please the Lord. He gives us a good lesson about standing firm on your convictions, even when everyone is against you.

I wish I had better understood, when I was younger, such firm confidence in the Lord. My fear of man had made me vulnerable to the enemy’s work. Many valuable years were wasted serving the fear of man. It was unfortunate. God’s grace alone has brought me back to a place of strength in God.

When Job’s friends lay the pressure on, claiming that Job was sinful and God was judging him for his sin, Job refuses to back down. It was no small task to do so. His friends laid the guilt and peer pressure on thick and heavy.

Listen to what Eliphaz said, “(Job 4:2-6) "If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? 3 Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4 Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. 5 But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. 6 Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?”

Now, it is true that friends should “speak the truth in love.” (Eph 4:15) It is also true that the, “wounds of a friend are faithful, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Prov. 27:6) Further, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Prov. 27:17)

But that is my point. If Job’s friends or any of our friends are to be a help to us, we need to be able to push back with them. We must be diligent to exercise our own conscience and share what we think is true or not true. We must not allow a man-pleasing mentality cause us to say things just to “please” one another. We must take care not to “multiply” kisses. We must not be afraid of conflict. Fear of rejection, or fear of conflict, will ultimately be a snare to our souls.

Again, this does not mean that in the name of “being true to ourselves” we should go around starting quarrels. “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel.” (2 Tim. 2:24) Rather, it means that we not let fear of man cause us to avoid sharing what we know to be true in God.

This could happen in so many areas: speaking the truth to our boss at work; drawing a moral line about white collar crimes; drawing a line about abortion or sexual immorality; speaking honestly to our spouses about finances, kids; evangelism etc.. There comes a time when a believer must take a stand in the truth. In that moment, the fear of man can cause us to blink and miss the moment; to compromise the truth; to give in to fear and lash out angrily instead of standing firmly, speaking the truth in love.

Sifting the good and bad
Further, Job’s friends are both sincere and often saying true things about God, the righteous and the wicked. This made Job’s job that much more difficult. He had to sift through the good and the bad. Then he had to examine his heart afresh. Then he had to back his friends off and share his convictions on the matter; agreeing with what was right and correcting what was wrong.

The biggest miss of his friend’s counsel and advice was their belief that Job had sinned. However, they also miss several other key elements of God’s character. In the process of accusing Job, they say many truths about God. They also say some things that are wrong.

The toughest peer pressure is facing the lies that sound like the truth or have a lot of truth in them. All it takes is a little lie to mess everything up.

Not Bowing to Peer Pressure – Satanic Accusations
Job knows that he is not guilty. He has searched his conscience and it is clean. He knows before God that he does not deserve the cruel, meaningless suffering he was facing. His friends, however, vehemently disagree. Bildad says, (Job 8:2) "How long will you say such things? Your words are a blustering wind.” And then, (Job 8:20) "Surely God does not reject a blameless man or strengthen the hands of evildoers.”

Can you hear the accusation of wrongdoing? It was not the time for Job to falter. It was time for him to speak forthrightly. In fact, God recorded Job’s responses for all the rest of humankind to read. Thank God, Job does not falter.

Again, listen to Bildad’s baseless accusation that Job’s children must have been guilty of wrong-doing, (Job 8:4) “When your children sinned against him (God), he gave them over to the penalty of their sin.” Talk about a hit in the face. Job’s children had been killed a fluke windstorm that collapsed a house on them. It was not their sin but Satan’s unjust attack.

Quite simply, an accusation about my kids might probably have shaken my confidence. In fact, the more confident someone else sounds, the more likely I would have been to stop and listen. They must be right, I mean, listen to how sure they sound!

This is Satan’s deceptive strategy. By arrogantly accusing us of wrong-doing, he causes us to blink when we need to stand firm. In that moment, when we blink, he sneaks powerful temptations and sins into our lives; right through the hole our insecurity provides.

Zophar almost sounds like Satan’s hit man as he says to Job, (Job 11:2ff) "Are all these words to go unanswered? Is this talker (Job) to be vindicated? 3 Will your idle talk reduce men to silence? Will no one rebuke you when you mock? 4 You say to God, 'My beliefs are flawless and I am pure in your sight.' 5 Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you 6 and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin. 7 Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than the heavens-what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave-what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.”

Feel the deceptive pressure: Job’s friends must be right. Their firm rebuke must be right. They say so much that is true, surely it must all be true.

If it were me, I would very likely have been thinking, I must be wrong. I should quit trusting my conscience. I should change so that I make them happy. I must be the problem.

Job refuses to give in to such a man-pleasing attitude.

Eventually, Eliphaz ruthlessly goes after Job’s very character, (Job 15:2-13) "Would a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind? 3 Would he argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value? 4 But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. 5 Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.”

Now remember, Job is vindicated at the end of the book. God commands Job’s friends to apologize to Job for not saying what was right. Nevertheless, in the midst of the discussion/debate (Considering its intensity, it was certainly no casual chat over tea) Job is experiencing Olympic level peer pressure; world class, confident arguments. What would you do in such a situation? Run and hide? Give in and compromise your conscience?

Not Job.

The Wicked Man Flees Though No One Pursues
Now, my parents were attentive. They could tell that I was struggling with some things in this particular Christian school (as were my brothers). They decided to get me out of the school and try another option. I praise God for their wisdom.

Nevertheless, my pride and selfishness held on to the desire to try to please people. I hit high school and kept trying to please people. Though, I felt like I failed to have friends in elementary school, in high school all of that seemed to change. I had a great group of friends. I was athletic and popular. Yet still, because I had become a man-pleaser, I lacked peace and tended to be driven by a desire to please my peers.

This is not to say that I didn’t exert some godly influence on my friends. God, through Christ, was working in my heart and teaching me very important things. Nevertheless, I had not dealt with the root; a man-pleasing, sinful mentality. Eventually, it led me to make compromises when dating that further undermined my character before God.

The fear of man was still proving to be a snare in my life.

Job, on the other hand, maintains his fear of God alone. He persistently asserts his innocence under the most intense of false accusations from his friends. He will not bow to their slander. He takes it from his friends in ways that leave me breathless as I read. (Job 18:1) Then Bildad the Shuhite replied: 2 "When will you end these speeches? Be sensible, and then we can talk. 3 Why are we regarded as cattle and considered stupid in your sight? 4 You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger, is the earth to be abandoned for your sake? Or must the rocks be moved from their place?”

Eventually, however, Bildad and Zophar seem to back off. Zophar said, “(Job 20:1) "My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. 3 I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply." We can hear a softness here in Zophar’s words. He seems to be starting to wonder if he should back off. Though, as he is still not sure, he speaks his mind. It is still an attack against Job.

But, then, Eliphaz goes for the throat. He goes after Job, “(Job 22:1) "Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise man benefit him? 3 What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless? 4 "Is it for your piety that he rebukes you and brings charges against you? 5 Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? 6 You demanded security from your brothers for no reason; you stripped men of their clothing, leaving them naked. 7 You gave no water to the weary and you withheld food from the hungry, 8 though you were a powerful man, owning land- an honored man, living on it. 9 And you sent widows away empty-handed and broke the strength of the fatherless. 10 That is why snares are all around you, why sudden peril terrifies you, 11 why it is so dark you cannot see, and why a flood of water covers you.”

Remember the verse about boldness from Proverbs 28:1? “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Job stands boldly through all of this. His friends attempt to cow him into submission. They rebuke, argue and blame. But Job shows what a righteous man does. He searches his heart before God, speaks his mind and firmly stands his ground.

Paul puts it this way, (1 Cor. 2:15) “The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment.” Christ, we are told handled it this way, “(John 2:24-25) But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. 25 He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.”

We need God’s testimony about us, not man’s testimony about us.

None of this is should be interpreted to mean that we are allowed to be arrogant and independent in our beliefs. We are still called to “submit to one another”, we just do it “out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21). We still need to “not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing.” (Heb 10:25) We still “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2) and “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16).

Instead, it simply means that when it comes to standing in the truth, we do it not to please others or ourselves, but to please God alone. We need to watch our life and doctrine closely. Ultimately, we simply are not accountable to man but to God.

King David recognized this when he confessed his sin with Bathsheeba to God. He says, “against you and you only have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” (Psalm 51:4) God is the one to whom we are accountable. We need to fear Him alone.

Learning To Fear God Alone
I give much thanks to my Mom and Dad’s prayers and wise counsel through all those years. It was in college for me when the Lord began to pierce my heart with what it meant to live to please God alone and quit trying to please people (though at times, I can feel the temptation to slip into my old ways). I was a resident adviser on my wing. That meant, among other things, that I was responsible for making sure that everyone was present at the required twice-a-week chapel services.

We RA’s (resident advisers) had been told by the Dean of Men to make sure that we were keeping close tabs on both chapel absences as well as those sleeping through the chapel service (which was counted as an absence). It was basically a three strikes rule; after the third time, a fine was applied.

Legalistic college rules aside, sure enough, that week, I had two wing mates sleeping through the service. I knew I had to mark them absent. I figured I had better let them know sooner than later; just after the service I called them over and told them. As 3,500 students were filing out of the chapel to lunch or their next class, one of these “sleeper” students exploded, I mean exploded, in anger at me. It was his third strike. He took out his anger at me, accusing me of all sorts of wrong-doing, in front of everyone going by.

Til then, being an RA had been a real intensive trial for a man-pleaser like me. There were many regulations I was responsible to uphold that certain types of students disliked. However, in that moment, as the student blew up with as much ferocity as he could muster, in front of all our fellow students passing by, something clicked in me. I realized that I did not need to be accepted by everyone. I realized that God’s favor was enough to keep me secure. He was the only one I needed to please. He would take care of my reputation and surround me with true friends.

Later that very day, I spent some time with the Lord. He opened my heart anew to what it meant to live to please Him alone. The freedom was joyous and peace beyond understanding. God taught me lessons from His word that day that still strengthen me.

I have not been without temptations and slips along with my new found victory over the fear of man. Nevertheless, that day, part of the old man in me died. The sinful desire to please others, as opposed to living to please God, slipped into the grave. I was now free to do unto others as I would have them do to me. I was free to love without chains. I was free to serve God alone.

Summary
Job was an upright and blameless man who feared God and shunned evil. He never wavered once in his debate with his friends. He took their accusations, their ferocity and their slander with a deep assurance that he needed to get something worked out with God alone. He firmly backed them off and spoke what he knew to be true before God.

God honored Job’s fortitude.

I wonder at times how Job could have been so confident. How could he have maintained his composure and not started to doubt himself? We get a hint in Job 28:28 when Job says, “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom”

Job got it. He understood. He lived free from the fear of man. He lived in the fear of God. He says this to his friends, Job 21:4 “Is my complaint directed to a man?” No, it was not. He dealt with God. He went to God alone to get His answers. When everyone around him was confused he stayed steadfast in his appeal directly to the one who “has the power to throw you into hell.” (Luke 12:5)

Without going into it in depth here, we should remember that perfect love casts out fear. The fear of the Lord, really is fear. However, as we are sanctified the fear of the Lord grows into a full awareness of God’s faithful love. When we are glorified, the fear of the Lord will be expressed only through a deep, enduring submission to God coupled with a mutual relationship of love, joy and peace that transcends fear and doubt on earth. I am not sure that I have words to express the dynamic tension involved.

For now, the fear of the Lord sets us free from the fear of man or Satan. It’s a beautiful thing, when it does.

Application
Do you live trying to please everyone in your life? Your spouse? Your children? Your boss and co-workers? Brothers and sisters?

Take the time to measure how badly any of those people could hurt you compared to God. Think through the limits of hurt that rejection by any one of those people would bring. Not even Satan can hurt you worse than God. Consider the eternal implications of God’s power and decisions. Meditate on these things daily. Is there really any reason to fear those people more than God?

Not really. It is not logical to fear man more than God. It makes no sense. Remember, though we need to fear God, His will for us is good all the time. He is love.

Let God invade your thinking with the magnitude of His power. Let Him set you free from trying to please people; set you free from the fear of man.

Join me in saying no the fear of man and yes to the fear of the Lord.

Deborah Switzer - Goose Droppings

My newest commitment to health is to feebly attempt a twice-per-week, early-morning walk around a small lake near our house. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, I arise bleary-eyed and endeavor to be physically fit. At first I thought this idea was great -- I could praise the Lord, pray, and exercise all at the same time. I mused that it would be fun to head out with my Zune and walk the .4 mile lake a few times. But after several weeks, I find that I am not losing weight, I am too breathless to pray, and my headphones don’t stay in my ears as I attempt to be spiritual and praise the Lord in the midst of nature. I do love the outdoors and find aspects of God in its beauty, but somehow that beauty is not my focus when I am attempting to shed pounds and torture myself with 6:00 AM early risings.

The torture seemed even more evident this morning. Tired, but convincing myself it was worth it, I donned my old sneakers that I have now had for over six years, and with a quick stretch, I made my way out the front door. I purposefully left behind my Zune, knowing the ear plugs would only once again pop out of my ears and frustrate my experience. Aggravation was not an emotion I was pursuing this morning. So I chose to head music-less over to the lake and I slothfully began my morning routine.

We have quite a bit of wildlife on this lake -- my kids love it. We find turtles and geese and herons. You can fish in the lake, but then you have to throw them back in (a concept my children don’t quite understand). Still, it’s a child’s nature schoolhouse. But this morning, the fuzzy green droppings of the geese left me tiptoeing around the path instead of speed-walking. Never in my life had I seen so much goose poop! It was literally everywhere, and instead of being able to soak in the beauty of God’s creation as I panted along the pathway, I found myself meandering, head down, through piles of goose excrement. The goose family, swimming in the water, seemed to enjoy my hopscotch game as I carefully wove in and out of their green patties.

Having completed my first bout around the lake successfully, I decided to go around again, carefully looking down to insure I didn’t step in any of the piles, desperately hoping to avoid smelly sneakers when I walked back through my front door. Suddenly startled, though, I found myself standing in front of an entire family of geese, barely avoiding a head-on collision with one of the parents.

Now I know geese are not supposed to be scary, but when you are a woman alone on a jogging path, even a goose can strike fear in your heart. In my attempt to avoid goose poop, I had not noticed the mother (I think it was the mother) moving her family to a new location. I stood there in silence, frozen, as each goose hissed at me. I slowly backed away, praying I would not be on the evening news as the woman jogger attacked by geese!

As I travelled back home, head still down to avoid goose poop, I started to realize something. How often do I go through this life with my head down, trying to avoid the droppings of this evil world? It seems that I spend a lot of my life attempting to protect myself and my family from the excrement left by society … whether it is poverty, immorality, lawlessness, etc. All the while my focus is on avoiding evil, rather than noticing the beauty of the life God has given me. It’s not that I should be ignorant of the goose poop, but if the goose poop stops me from enjoying my life, then I have missed the point. And if I continue to miss the point, it will eventually lead me right to the maker of the poop instead of to the Maker of heaven and earth. Walking with my head down in this life will only lead me on a dead end path where I no longer continue on my journey with the Lord, but rather find myself in retreat.

It takes a great deal of trust to walk on a path that is covered in goose poop and not look down. No matter how much I want to say I trust God to guide my steps, the truth is that when push comes to shove, I trust my own eyes to look for the steps that I should take. I trust myself to avoid the messes of life – and deep inside I know that if I keep my eyes up, God will let me step in the patties this world has made. Somehow in His eternal plan, stepping in the mushy, uncomfortable, and yes, dirty things of life, can make me a better person, turn me toward vulnerability, and deepen my dependence.

This reality can make it hard for me to trust God. So I choose, instead, to direct my own path. Often, I will pray to God, not to commune with Him, but to try to manipulate the direction of the path I want to take. His Word is a lamp unto my feet, right? So I read it diligently, hoping He will shine His light down on the patties that lie in wait for me in the dark. Ironically, I fail to realize that His Word is already lighting the path He has marked for me in the sky, not under my feet. As my eyes look up and pursue that path, my feet are forced to follow His perfect plan for my life. As I look up, I find Christ’s freedom; as I look downward, I find bondage to my need for control. If I could simply learn to trust, I would find that He is lighting the path in my heart that leads me not into a perfect life, but a life of deep relationship with Him that cannot be severed.

I have decided that I, for one, would rather walk with my head up and trust the path God has marked for me. And if that means I have to step in a little goose poop along the way, no worries. God’s great at cleaning up messes!